title: Prevalence of human herpesvirus 6 antibody in the population of Belém, Pará, northern Brazil.
abstract: A total of 497 serum samples obtained from residents of 2 neighbourhoods (Terra-Firme and Guamá) in Belém, Pará, Brazil was tested for the presence of antibody to human herpesvirus 6 (HHV6), using an indirect immunofluorescence assay. The overall seroprevalence was 90%, with seropositivity rates ranging from 75% to 100% in the different age groups and sexes. There was a significant difference between the antibody prevalences in Terra-Firme and Guamá, 94% and 87%, respectively (P = 0.01). The geometric mean titres (GMT) of antibody to HHV6 declined from the first (< or = 2 years) to the sixth (31-40 years) age groups, and slightly increased (GMT > 50) among individuals older than 40 years.
authors.affiliation: Instituto Evandro Chagas, Fundação Nacional de Saúde, Belém, Pará, Brasil.
authors.forename: R B
authors.initials: RB
authors.lastname: de Freitas
authors.forename: A C
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Linhares
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000914:Antibodies, Viral / Q000097:blood; D001938:Brazil / Q000453:epidemiology; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006566:Herpesviridae Infections / Q000453:epidemiology*; D015654:Herpesvirus 6, Human / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000097:blood; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D016036:Seroepidemiologic Studies
chemical_list: D000914:Antibodies, Viral; D007074:Immunoglobulin G